Alabama’s 49-18 win over South Carolina gave the Crimson Tide plenty to like, but the clearest takeaway came from the man running the offense. Keelon Russell looked nothing like a freshman feeling his way through the night. He was in command from the start, and that mattered even more with five straight ranked opponents looming.
Russell finished 21 of 27 for 365 yards and four passing touchdowns, including a 75-yard strike to Lotzeir Brooks. He added 35 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground, giving Alabama the kind of balanced night that can carry an offense when the competition gets heavier.
That poise was a big shift from the way Russell had opened games in Alabama’s first three outings, when he started slowly before settling in later. Against South Carolina, he let the game unfold around him instead of forcing it.
The defense, though, was just as important in shaping the night. Yhonzae Pierre was everywhere for Alabama, making life miserable for LaNorris Sellers and repeatedly affecting plays before they could develop.
On a key first-quarter third-and-4, Pierre got after Sellers and helped force a punt. Alabama answered with a nine-play, 70-yard touchdown drive to go up 14-0.
Pierre finished with four tackles, .5 sacks and a pass breakup, and his impact was even more notable because Alabama was limited off the edge after injuries to Justin Hill and Desmond Umeozulu.
South Carolina briefly flashed danger at the start when Matt Fuller ripped off a 56-yard run on the Gamecocks’ opening play. But the drive unraveled quickly.
Darius Gray was flagged for a false start, Pierre broke up the next pass, Brady Hunt was called for holding, and the Gamecocks eventually settled for a missed field goal by Malik Orsan. Alabama’s defense had bailed itself out and handed the offense the kind of early leverage it needed.
That defensive edge is becoming the identity of this team. Red Morgan added a pick-six, while Caleb Woodson and Luke Metz continued to anchor the run defense. The linebacker duo combined for 25 tackles, a strong sign of how much trust Kane Wommack has built into that unit.
The run game didn’t need to carry the load, and it mostly didn’t. EJ Crowell stood out with his ability to break tackles, stay upright and create separation with speed.
Daniel Hill handled most of the carries, but he managed only 15 yards on the ground, a quiet line for Alabama’s top back. Crowell’s emergence gives the Tide some breathing room when Hill isn’t producing.
Josh Ford also kept showing why Alabama wanted him in the offseason. The tight end, the first transfer the Tide added, is starting to look like a real tone setter for the offense.
CBS analyst Dusty Dvoracek pointed to Ford’s value as a blocker and as a piece that can throw off opponents. Ford even took a shot from South Carolina defensive end Dylan Stewart after an Alabama touchdown and brushed it off with a grin.
“I think he punched me three times. But it was awesome. A good battle.”
Alabama has now scored 45 points or more in four straight games, including two SEC contests, and Saturday night at Bryant-Denny Stadium only reinforced how dangerous this team can be when the quarterback is steady and the defense is hunting.
In Other News...
Alabama Game Day Is Becoming A Celebrity Stage For Tide Culture
Alabamas game-day scene has become more than just a football backdrop, with recent home dates drawing a mix of former Crimson Tide stars and outside names who have ties to the programs culture. Mark Ingram and Brandon Miller were among the familiar faces in attendance, adding to the feeling that Alabama Saturdays have turned into a reunion as much as a sporting event.
Scott Stapps presence fit that atmosphere, too, given his longtime support of Alabama and his family connection to the program. Kid Rock also made an appearance, and the larger point is hard to miss: Alabama football has become a stage where athletics, alumni pride and celebrity interest overlap, with the music side of that spotlight set to keep building as Creeds performances approach. [Read more 🡒]
Alabama Heads Into Mississippi State With New Depth Concerns
Alabamas injury picture is starting to crowd the conversation heading into its trip to Mississippi State, with two more players added to a list the Crimson Tide has had to manage carefully. Will Sanders and Jayvin James both came out of the South Carolina game hurt, and while Sanders is expected to be available, James is now sitting in the questionable bucket as the Tide tries to sort out who will be ready to go.
The bigger concern may be the ripple effect on the middle of the defense. Linebackers Justin Hill and Desmond Umeozulu are already out, which leaves Alabama thinner than it would like at a spot that can be tested quickly in conference play. With depth being pushed and availability still in question for at least one more player, the Tide will have some decisions to make before it lines up against the Bulldogs. [Read more 🡒]
Alabama Heads Into Mississippi State With One Lingering Injury Concern
Alabama is getting closer to its trip to Mississippi State with a clearer picture of the injury situation along both lines, though not every answer is in yet. Kalen DeBoer said offensive lineman Jayvin James is questionable, while William Sanders is expected to be ready, which at least gives the Tide some needed depth as they head into another SEC road test.
The bigger concern may still be on the defensive side, where outside linebacker Justin Hill and defensive end Desmond Umeozulu are both out, and Umeozulu is expected to need more time. Safety Zavier Mincey also sat out the previous game after getting hurt in pregame warmups, leaving Alabama with a few moving pieces to monitor as the week unfolds. [Read more 🡒]